Changing Identities: Finnish Divorcees' Perceptions of a New Marriage

Abstract

In the 1950s, marriage represented a traditional and typical form of an intimate relationship and family. Now, divorces, blended families, and single life have become commonplace. In this article, divorcees' experiences on the possibility of having or starting a new relationship are dissected. What kinds of expectations and challenges are involved? How do they see their chance of succeeding in the new relationship? This was a qualitative study, and the data were collected in the form of informal letters. Seventy-four letters were received (from 71 women and 3 men). The results show that divorcees have a variety of ways of coping with a divorce and chances of creating a new, stable relationship. The group called survivors consider divorce an opportunity to learn, to look in the mirror, and do some heart-searching. Divorcees not only grow as human beings, but their intimate relationship skills may develop.